OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – If you’re struggling to get your ducks in a row today, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) may be able to help.

WDFW has begun using drone technology to monitor populations of large waterfowl in western Washington. They will begin using the tech on geese and swans in Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties.

The drones will gather data on population size, age classes and other survey data and compare it to ground counts. The flights will go from now through December 2026.

Flights are planned to focus on WDFW-managed lands and the agency said they will only enter private lands after getting permission from landowners.

WDFW adds the drone flights will follow the Federal Aviation Administration and their own guidelines while conducting the flights.

They plan to minimize disturbance to wildlife and hunters.